The Little Potato Company: A fresh starch in DeForest

After breaking ground on its $20 million facility in the summer of 2016, the Little Potato Company, located along the west edge of Highway 51, hosted its grand opening ceremony on July 27.

The DeForest processing facility is the company’s first location in the United States. Angela Santiago, CEO and co-founder, began the business with her father Jacob van der Schaaf, a Dutch immigrant, just over 20 years ago at their home in Edmonton, Alberta.

“There are the obvious implications of this plant and our presence here,” Santiago said. “Our bold move into the U.S. is the hallmark of a company growing to provide for an expanding customer base. But for me, it also has a special significance in exploring new, beautiful, bountiful lands with the anticipation and excitement that brings.”

She also expressed gratitude and thanked many, from her father to her “new Wisconsin family, who has generously swung the doors wide open for us to welcome the Little Potato Company to this beautiful part of the world.”